Stories of Hope Archives - Flint Animal Cancer Center

Category: Stories of Hope

FACC Patient Stories

Canine Brain Tumor Vaccine Helps Happy Boxer Beat the Odds

Lauren Mingus | October 11, 2021

“If she’s deaf, I’m keeping her.” Those were Michelle Beston’s words to her husband as they waited for their latest foster assignment from a local boxer rescue. Beston had adopted and fostered dogs throughout her life and always hoped to bring a deaf dog into her home. When Fiona arrived, the three-month-old pup with one […]

One Cure Clinical Trials

One Cure clinical trial gives Toby extra time with his family following canine lymphoma diagnosis

Lauren Mingus | July 21, 2021

“I fell in love with Toby from his online profile photo,” said Ali Knight, Toby’s mom. “It was a little like internet dating.” The Knight family adopted Toby from a Colorado Labrador rescue in 2009 when he was a pup. “He’s a big goofy boy,” said Knight. “We think he might be part Great Dane […]

One Cure Clinical Trials

New clinical trial for dogs with nasal tumors may help people, too.

Lauren Mingus | June 7, 2021

Grendel joined her forever family along with her brother Beowulf at eight weeks old. “We could tell right away she had a mischievous streak and was destined to get her brother in trouble,” said Marcia Bohannon, Grendel’s human. The littermates have been devoted to each other from the start, which made Grendel’s illness devasting not […]

Pet Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy offers new cancer treatment option for ferrets, birds, and other small pets.

Lauren Mingus | March 17, 2021

At the Flint Animal Cancer Center, we often say cancer doesn’t care if you have two legs or four. It’s also true that cancer doesn’t care if you have wings, scales, or tiny claws. “I see cancer daily, if not multiple times a day,” said Dr. Matt Johnston, associate professor of avian, exotic, and zoological […]

Pet Cancer Treatment

Mokey’s story: A cat’s journey through basal cell carcinoma

Prairie Smallwood | November 16, 2020

You hear it a lot: “We never expected it.” “It came out of nowhere.” “Of anyone I’d expect to get sick, it wouldn’t be _____.” Whether you’ve had a close, intense brush with cancer or you just know someone who knows someone battling it, you’ve likely heard the shock that often accompanies the diagnosis. This […]

Pet Cancer Treatment

Elbee celebrates five years cancer-free with the help of a novel treatment.

Lauren Mingus | September 17, 2020

Five years cancer-free. It’s a milestone for all cancer patients, but especially for our canine friends. While survival rates vary based on many factors, including the type of cancer and treatment, considering a dog’s lifespan, five years is cause for celebration. Last month, Flint Animal Cancer Center patient, Elbee, a sweet, shy border collie, celebrated […]

One Cure Patients

CeCe, A Champion Show Dog, Beats Cancer with the Help of a One Cure Clinical Trial

Lauren Mingus | June 18, 2020

Serena knew CeCe, an Italian greyhound, was special when she won her show debut the weekend before her first birthday. “My husband and I had been successfully showing dogs for a few years when we got the call about CeCe,” said Serena. “She was the pick of her litter and had been with us only […]

Pet Cancer Treatment

In Memory of Lily, Six-Year Feline Lymphoma Survivor

Wendy Kruger | June 17, 2020

Guest Post Written by Wendy Kruger Lily was one of those “too good to be true” cats. Adopted in 2001 as a kitten, she was a birthday present for my six-year-old daughter, Anna. A child’s pet has to be patient, and Lily was. She was sweet and submissive – always one to please. She would […]

One Cure Clinical Trials

Duke and Family Celebrate Two Years After Canine Osteosarcoma Diagnosis

Lauren Mingus | March 6, 2020

Update At his February 26 recheck appointment, Duke and his family received some great news: His latest round of follow up X-rays showed “no evidence of pulmonary metastasis.” For a cancer that spreads to the lungs in 80% of cases, the results were a huge relief. “I’m so anxious before each recheck,” said Heidi, Duke’s human mom. […]

Pet Cancer Treatment

Sherpa Overcomes Canine Osteosarcoma to Climb Mountains Once Again

Lauren Mingus | February 11, 2020

Often, the first thing people notice about Sherpa is her heart-shaped nose, an advertisement for her friendly nature. After a joyful and sometimes slobbery greeting, they realize she has three legs. The 8-year-old Saint Bernard was born with a cleft lip and palate, and the reconstructive surgery soon after birth resulted in her unique muzzle. […]

One Cure Clinical Trials

Yogi Beats Canine Lymphoma With The Help Of A One Cure Clinical Trial

Lauren Mingus | December 3, 2019

The runt of his litter, Yogi, has never let his size determine his destiny. “He doesn’t know he’s only 12 pounds,” said Yogi’s owner, Sharon. “There isn’t a dog or a person he won’t talk to; he’s just so friendly.” Yogi, the happiest Yorkshire terrier you’ll ever meet, joined his forever family, including mom, Sharon, […]

One Cure Clinical Trials

Facing Cancer Together

Lauren Mingus | June 20, 2019

When Connie’s cherished, five-year-old mastiff and French hound mix, Leo, suddenly stopped eating, she had no idea it was the start of a series of events that would change their lives. “I’d been going through some medical testing, and I thought maybe Leo could sense my concern,” said Connie. “I thought he was just worried […]